Vitamin C Found to Help Oral Lichen Planus Through Immune and Antioxidant Action
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 21, 2025 1 hour, 37 minutes ago
Medical News: Understanding Oral Lichen Planus and Its Challenges
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a painful and chronic inflammatory disease that affects the inner lining of the mouth. It is believed to be driven by the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacking the mouth’s mucous membranes. The condition causes redness, ulcers, and discomfort, especially during eating or speaking. While treatments like corticosteroids help reduce symptoms, they often come with side effects such as oral infections and dry mouth. This has led researchers to search for safer and more natural options.
Vitamin C may offer relief for oral lichen planus by restoring antioxidant balance and easing inflammation
Vitamin C and Its Role in Fighting Oxidative Stress
A new review by scientists from the Department of Periodontology and the Department of Preclinical Conservative Dentistry and Preclinical Endodontics at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland, has highlighted vitamin C as a promising supplement for managing OLP. According to this
Medical News report, the researchers showed that oxidative stress—a state where harmful molecules damage cells—is strongly linked to OLP. Patients with OLP have been found to have high levels of these damaging molecules in their saliva and blood, and at the same time, low levels of natural antioxidants like vitamin C.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize these harmful molecules. It also supports collagen production and strengthens the mouth’s protective lining. Additionally, it helps regulate the immune system by calming down overactive immune cells that are involved in OLP flare-ups.
Clinical Trials Show Promise but Call for More Research
Although no studies have tested vitamin C alone for treating OLP, some clinical trials have combined it with other antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E. In one study, patients taking this combination showed reduced pain and improved healing compared to those using steroids alone. Another trial using a gel with nanovitamin C and E showed improved oral health-related quality of life without side effects.
The study also points out that vitamin C works best when used both orally and directly on affected mouth areas. Gels or lozenges with vitamin C can deliver the antioxidant directly to damaged tissues. For daily support, a dosage between 200 to 400 mg of vitamin C is considered safe and effective in maintaining healthy levels in the body.
Why This Matters and Who Could Benefit Most
Patients with additional health problems like diabetes or those who smoke may have lower vitamin C levels and face higher oxidative stress. These groups could particularly benefit from vitamin C supplementation. While vitamin C cannot replace standard treatments like steroids, it may become a useful companion therapy that helps speed healing and reduce relapses.
The findings suggest that vitamin C is a safe and low-ri
sk supplement that may help ease OLP symptoms by supporting antioxidant balance and immune function. However, more focused clinical trials are needed to determine the best doses and forms of vitamin C for different patient groups.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/24/11887
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/supplements
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/dental-news
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